Peter Blog

Butterfly Bush

Buddleias require full sun on fertile, well drained soil.
The Butterfly Bush is moderately tolerant of drought and very tolerant of chalky soil. Insect pest and disease problems are rare, spider mites may occur on hot dry sites. Propagation is easy from half hardened cuttings taken in summer. The species can be easily grown from seed.

* photo of unknown internet source


Buiddleia albiflora
A vigorous, deciduous shrub, reaching a maximum height of 13 feet, that is native to China.
The toothed, pointed, lance-shaped, ovate or narrow-elliptic leaves, up to 12 x 4 inches, are downy beneath.
The fragrant, pale-lilac flowers are borne on narrow panicles, up to 20 x 2 inches, during summer.
The stems are rounded rather than angled.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.

Buddleia alternifolia ( Fountain Buddleia )
A very fine, very fast growing, dense, deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to northwest China. The Fountain Buddleia can reach 3 feet in the first year and eventually around 15 feet or sometimes much larger. The largest on record is 33 x 33 feet.
The alternate spaced leaves are deep gray-green above, whitish below and up to 4 x 0.5 inches.
The fragrant, mauve-pink flowers, up to 1 inch across, are borne in tight clusters up and down the entire length of the long, arching and weeping stems. They are borne during late spring to early summer.
The flowers are excellent for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This species can be mixed with Buddleia davidii resulting in Butterfly attraction from spring through fall.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on just about any well drained soil including clay and limestone. Deer resistant.
Unlike Buddleia davidii; this species should NOT be cut back in early spring. The only pruning on this one is deadheading old bloom stems after flowering to encourage vigor. This species is not grown as a perennial, it is 100% shrub/tree. It is sometimes trained as a very attractive, small weeping tree.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.

Argentea
Mauve pink flowers and silvery foliage.

* photos taken on May 21 @ Brookside Gardens "Party with the Peonies" tour in Fulton, MD





* photo of unknown internet source

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Buddleia asiatica ( Winter Flowering Butterflybush )
An arching, evergreen large shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum size of 27 x 15 feet, that is native to southeast Asia ( Pakistan to southern China; south to India to Bangledesh to New Guinea to Phillipines ).
The long, lance-shaped to narrow-elliptic leaves, up to 12 x 3 inches in size, are deep green above, woolly silvery-white beneath.
The very fragrant, creamy-white flowers are borne on panicles up to 10 x 1.8 inches.
The flowers are borne on the previous years growth, lasting during late winter into early spring.
The stems are woolly white at first.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 in full sun on well drained soil. It can be grown as far north as Philadelphia on a protected site. If it gets leggy, it can be cut back hard immediately after blooming.

Sweet Promise
Denser in habit than the species.
The foliage is deep green above, downy gray beneath.
The very fragrant, white flowers are borne on longer clusters than the species, up to 16 inches in length.

Buddleia auriculata
A fast growing, upright, evergreen, large shrub to small tree with weeping side branches, that is native to South Africa. It can reach a maximum size of 27 x 15 feet.
It may need added support to prevent the trunk from leaning or falling over.
The narrow leaves are up to 5 x 1 inches in size. The crinkled foliage is deep green above, white and woolly beneath.
The very fragrant, creamy-white ( throated pink or yellow ) flowers are borne on terminal clusters.
Hardy zones 8 to 10.

Buddleia australis
A medium-sized shrub, reaching a maximum height of 12 feet, that is native to South America.
The deeply-veined leaves, up to 8 inches in length, are deep green.
The orange-yellow flowers are clustered along the stems for up to 12 inches from the tip. They are borne during winter.
Hardy zones 9 to 10.

Buddleia candida
A small shrub, reaching up to 6.5 feet, that is native to mountains from northeast India to southwest China.
The narrow-oblong leaves, up to 9.5 x 2.3 inches in size, are downy white beneath.
The violet flowers are borne on clusters, up to 8 x 4.5 inches in size.

Buddleia colvillei ( Colvil Buddleia )
A fast growing, arching, deciduous to semi-evergreen, large shrub to small tree that is native to Himalayas in eastern Asia. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 10 ( rarely over 7 ) feet; largest on record - 50 x 33 ( rarely over 30 ) feet. An impressive tree of 50 feet grows at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. It is among the most beautiful of all Buddleias.
The striking, heavily-veined, finely-toothed, lance-shaped or narrow-elliptic leaves, up to 10 x 2.5 ( rarely over 8 ) inches, are either deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on climate. The foliage is felted at first, later turning to glossy, deep green above and woolly-white beneath.
The large, bell-shaped, reddish-purple ( with white eye ) flowers are borne on drooping terminal panicles up to 9 x 2.5 inches in size. The flowers are borne on the previous years shoots during early summer, however sometimes repeating into early autumn.
The stems are slender and upright.
Hardy zone 7 to 9 in full sun on well drained soil preferring a warm site protected from excessive wind. In cooler climates, it thrives best planted against a warm protected south facing wall. No pruning is needed on this Butterflybush and it should not be cut back in the way that B. davidii often is. Propagated from seed or semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.

Kewensis
Very vigorous with very large, rich red flowers borne on panicles up to 18 inches in length, it is otherwise identical to species.
Hardier than regular B. colvillei, to zone 7.

Buddleia cordata ( Mexican Butterflybush )
A fast growing, semi-evergreen to evergreen tree, reaching up to 60 feet or more, with a trunk diameter up to 1.5 feet. It is native to Central America. In cooler climates north of zone 9, it is usually found as a large shrub.
The foliage is gray-green above, paler beneath.
The creamy-white to deep orange flowers are borne during winter.
Hardy zones 7 to 11 ( minor foliage damage occurs at 25 F ) in full sun on well drained soil. It very drought tolerant but is not flood tolerant.

Buddleia crispa
A bushy, upright, deciduous, large shrub that is native to hillsides in the Himalayas, Afghanistan and western China. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 10 feet; largest on record - 20 x 20 feet. Slower growing than most species, it typically reaches only 2 x 3 feet in the second year.
The toothed, oval leaves, up to 8 x 3 ( rarely over 5 x 2 ) inches, are silvery-gray to deep gray-green and felted.
The very fragrant, small, lilac ( with white to orange throat ) flowers are borne on dense whorled panicles, up to 4.8 ( rarely 8 ) inches in length, during mid to late summer. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies.
The young stems are woolly white.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun on very well drained soil. It is very tolerant of and actually prefers alkaline soils.
In cooler areas it is best planted against a warm south facing wall. For best appearance, cut back hard or even to the ground during late winter.
Propagation is from seed or semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.

Agathosma
Very striking, very large foliage that is white beneath.

Budddleia curviflora
Also called Buddleia venenifera. A deciduous, medium-sized shrub, reaching up to 6.5 feet, that is native to southern Japan and Taiwan.
The narrowly-ovate to elliptical leaves, up to 6.3 x 2.8 inches in size, are bright green to gray-green above, silvery-white beneath.
The purple flowers are borne on narrow clusters, up to 8 x 1.6 inches in size, during early to mid-summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 9.

Buddleia davidii ( Butterfly Bush )
A very fast growing hardy, deciduous ( semi-evergreen in very mild climates ), arching shrub native to central and western China. Butterfly Bushes not pruned back, generally become large shrub south of zone 6; up to 10 feet is common and the largest on record is 23 x 20 feet. Grown as a cutback shrub, they often reach up to 8 feet by the end of summer.
The pointed, lance shape to ovate, pointed leaves are up to 12 x 4 inches in size. The foliage is deep sage green above and woolly white beneath.
The typically sweetly fragrant flowers are borne in long panicles beginning in mid summer and lasting until autumn frost. Many cultivars have been developed as the Butterfly Bush is variable in color, the species is most often lilac-pink to purple in color.
Among the most popular plants for encouraging Butterflies and Hummingbirds. While I see many plants that are popular for "just because"; this plants reputation is well deserved and many of its cultivars when well grown are "just plain awesome".
Plants cut back hard to 6 inches from ground level in March grow the most vigorously and flower the best, though Ive seen many very attractive plants that are only occasionally tip pruned to encourage density and longer bloom season. Old flower spikes should be removed in summer to encourage new flower spikes to form.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( zone 5 as a perennial ) in full sun on fertile, well drained soil. Tolerant of limestone soils, pollution and seashore conditions. Thorough fertilization with a 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 ( especially if time release ) is recommended. Mulch deeply during winter to protect roots from extreme winter cold north of zone 7.
The Butterfly Bush is very heat tolerant, moderately drought tolerant and very tolerant of chalky soil. Not generally bothered by pests or disease, these Buddleias are among the best of all plants for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Propagation is easy from half hardened cuttings taken in summer or hardwood cuttings taken during autumn. Buddleias davidii can be a prolific seed producer and seedlings can be variable. In some areas it may be invasive, in such areas only non-seeding cultivars and hybrids should be used.

* photo taken in Harford County, MD on June 15 2010


* photo taken on Sep. 2 2010 in Columbia, MD


* photos of unknown source on internet


* photos taken on June 17 2011 in Columbia, MD


* photo of unknown internet source




* photos taken on Oct 22 2013 in Towson, MD

* excellent video found on Youtube

Adonis Blue
Fast growing but very bushy, upright and semi-dwarf, reaching only a maximum size of 6 x 6 ( rarely over 5 ) feet. It is great for use in large patio containers.
The foliage is gray-green to mid-green.
The fragrant, rich, deep blue flowers are borne on large panicles, up to 12 inches in length, over a long season lasting until autumn frost.

* photo taken on Sep 4 2011 in Harford Co, MD

* photo taken on Aug 19 2012 in Harford Co., MD
* photos taken on Sep 22 2013 in Harford Co. MD


Asian Moon
Fast growing and rounded in habit, reaching up to 7 x 8.5 feet in 5 years, eventually slighly more.
The attractive foliage is deep green above, gray-green beneath.
The intense purplish-blue flowers are borne early summer until autumn frost. This cultivar is not a seed producer, thus is not invasive.

Attraction
Reaches up to 10 x 8 feet with very fragrant, intense deep purplish-red flowers borne on giant clusters up to 14 inches in length. The flowers appearing mid-summer do not fade and persist well into fall.
The luxuriant foliage is gray-green.

Black Knight
Dense in habit, reaching up to 10 feet as a perennial and 15 feet or more as a shrub.
This cultivar has deep violet flowers, borne on clusters up to 10 inches in length, from mid-summer until autumn frost.

* photo taken on Aug 1 2013 in Goderich, Ontario


Blue Chip
Correctly known as Lo & Behold Blue Chip and is a complex hybrid involving multiple species of Buddleia. A dwarf form, reaching up to 2 feet during the first season and an eventual size of 4 x 4 ( rarely 4.5 x 7 ) feet. It is excellent for commerical plantings, low hedging and containers.
The leaves, up to 3.7 x 1.5 inches in size, are gray-green.
The very profuse, deep blue flowers are borne in clusters up to 6 inches in length, all summer long until fall frost.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 and is very heat and humidity tolerant.

* photo taken on June 8 2012 in Ellicott City, MD* photos taken on Jul 30 2012 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on Aug 30 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 28 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 10 2013 in Ellicott City, MD

* photo taken on Sep 29 2013 in Ellicott City, MD

* photo taken on Sep 25 2013 in Ellicott City, MD

* videos found on Youtube



Buzz Ivory
Moderate growing, compact, upright and rounded in habit, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet. This is a dwarf form of pure Buddleia davidii parentage. It abundantly bears fragrant, pure white flowers over a very long season lasting early summer to mid autumn. The dense flower panicles are very large in comparison to the size of the plant.
The foliage is luxuriant bright green.
It makes a great plant for the patio garden.

* photos taken on June 20 2012 in Columbia, MD

Buzz Violet
Moderate growing, compact, upright and rounded in habit, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet. This is a dwarf form of pure Buddleia davidii parentage. It abundantly bears fragrant, violet flowers over a very long season lasting early summer to mid autumn. The dense flower panicles are very large in comparison to the size of the plant.
The foliage is luxuriant bright green.
It makes a great plant for the patio garden.

* photo taken on June 20 2012 in Columbia, MD

* excellent video found on Youtube

Buzz Sky Blue
Moderate growing, compact, upright and rounded in habit, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet. This is a dwarf form of pure Buddleia davidii parentage. It abundantly bears fragrant, bluish-purple flowers over a very long season lasting early summer to mid autumn. The dense flower panicles are very large in comparison to the size of the plant.
The foliage is luxuriant bright green.
It makes a great plant for the patio garden.

Charming Summer
Vigorous and arching in habit, reaching up to 10 feet with arching stems bearing lavender-pink flowers all summer long.
The foliage is silvery-green.
Dartmoor
Fast growing, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet as a perennial, to as much as 17 x 10 feet a shrub.
Very heavy blooming with lilac-purple to red-purple flowers borne on branched flower spikes unusual for Buddleia.
It is among the most cold hardy cultivars.

Dubonnet
Very fast growing, reaching up to 7 x 9 feet, with large, deep gray-green foliage. The fragrant, violet-purple ( with orange eye ) flowers are borne on panicles up to 14 inches in length.

Ellens Blue
A vigorous but very dense and compact, semi-dwarf form, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 6 feet.
The attractive silvery foliage is disease free.
The very profuse, very fragrant, intense mid-blue ( with orange eye ) flowers are borne in huge panicles, up to 10 inches in length, from mid summer until autumn frosts. It is considered superior by many to Adonis Blue.
Very fast and easy to root from cuttings. Drought tolerant.

* photos taken on June 28 2011 in Columbia, MD




Empire Blue
Vigorous, upright and arching, reaching up to 8 x 7 feet.
The foliage is gray-green to mid-green.
The fragrant, deep blue ( with orange eyes ) flowers are borne on dense panicles up to 12 inches in length, lasting early summer until autumn frost.

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Evil Ways
A fast growing clone originating from Harlequin, that only reaches up to 5 x 5 feet.
The solid intense bright-yellow foliage turns to yellow-green later in summer. The foliage does not burn.
The fragrant, intense mid-purple flowers are borne in panicles up to 10 inches in length, from mid-summer to autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 5 to 9

Flutterbye Grande Blueberry Cobbler
An upright shrub, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet, that is a hybrid between Buddleia davidii & B. meyeriana.
The foliage is blue-gray.
The fragrant, very large flower clusters are bluish-gray, fading to yellowish-orange.
It does not produce seed, therefore is not invasive.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, very heat and drought tolerant.

Flutterbye Grande Peach Cobbler
Reaches up to 6 x 6 feet.
The foliage is silvery.
The bright pink ( with orange eye ) flowers are borne on large panicles. The very fragrant flowers are borne from early summer until autumn frost. It does not produce seed, therefore is not invasive.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, very heat and drought tolerant.

Flutterbye Lavender
A dense, compact miniature, reaching up to 4 x 4 ( rarely over 2.5 ) feet. This is a hybrid between Buddleia alternifolia & B. davidii.
The elliptical leaves, up to 3.2 x 1.3 inches in size, are gray-green.
The lavender-purple to pale-violet flowers are borne on clusters, up to 3 x 1.5 inches, from early summer until autumn frost. It does not produce seed, therefore is not invasive.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, drought and heat tolerant.

Flutterbye Petite Blue Heaven
A dense, compact, dwarf, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 5 feet with fragrant, blue flowers over a period of 5+ months from early summer until autumn frosts. It does not produce seed, therefore is not invasive.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, drought and heat tolerant.
Heat and humidity tolerant. The Flutterbye series are hybrids with Buddleia crispa and are somewhat less cold hardy than regular B. davidii especially if not well established.

* photo taken on July 13 2011 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Oct 28 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Sep 23 2013 in Columbia, MD


Flutterbye Petite Snow White
A dense, rounded, compact miniature, reaching up to 5 x 5 ( rarely over 3 x 4 ) feet.
The narrow-elliptical leaves, up to 2.4 x 0.5 inches in size, are silvery.
The very profuse, pure white flowers are borne on clusters, up to 4.2 x 1.5 inches in size, from early summer until autumn frosts. It does not produce seed, therefore is not invasive.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, drought and heat tolerant.

* photo taken on Oct 17 2013 in Olney, MD


Flutterbye Pink
A dense, compact miniature, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 5 ( rarely over 4 ) feet.
The elliptical leaves are silvery-gray.
The very profuse, mid-pink flowers are borne on dense, upright panicles, borne early summer until autumn frosts. It does not produce seed, therefore is not invasive.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, drought and heat tolerant.

Flutterbye Tutti Fruiti Pink
A dense, compact miniature, reaching up to 3 x 2.5 feet. It is a complex hybrid involving Buddleia davidii & B. alternifolia.
The leaves, up to 1.5 x 0.6 inches in size, are gray-green.
The fragrant, lavender-purple flowers are borne on dense panicles, up to 4 x 1.5 inches in size, are borne early summer until autumn frost. It does not produce seed, therefore is not invasive.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, drought and heat tolerant.

Guinevere
Fast growing, reaching up to 10 x 6 feet.
The thick leaves are glossy deep blue-green.
The fragrant, very dark purple flowers resemble that of Black Knight.

Harlequin
Fast growing and arching in habit, it reaches up to 6 feet as a perennial and up to 20 x 20 ( rarely over 8 ) feet as a shrub.
This cultivar has violet flowers contrasting The very attractive foliage is deep green with a bold golden-yellow to creamy-white margin.
The fragrant, violet flowers are borne on large panicles from early summer until autumn frost. They contrast nicely with the foliage. It is somewhat less hardy, requiring a protected site and deep winter mulch north of zone 7. Prune out any shoots with all green foliage if any appear.

Ice Chip
A complex hybrid involving multiple species of Buddleia. A dwarf, reaching only 2.5 x 3 feet, with silvery foliage and pure white flowers borne early summer to late autumn.

Lilac Chip
Same as Blue Chip except for having lilac-pink flowers.

Miss Molly
Also called Lo & Behold Miss Molly or Red Chip. A vigorous but compact form, reaching up to 5 x 6 feet.
It bears deep red-violet flowers on panicles, up to 4 inches in length, from mid-summer until autumn frost.
The foliage is mid-green above, gray-green beneath.

* photo taken on Sep 25 2013 in Howard Co., MD

* excellent video found on Youtube
Miss Ruby
Dwarf, dense, rounded and upright, reaching only up to 6 x 5 ( rarely over 5 ) feet. Some records include: first year - 3 feet. It is part of the Lo and Behold Buddleia series.
The foliage is deep green above, silvery beneath.
The fragrant, rich pink flowers are borne on panicles up to 4.3 inches in length. It does not produce seed, therefore is not invasive.

Nanho Blue
A fast growing, arching shrub, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet as a perennial and 8 x 9 feet as a shrub. Some records include: 2 years - 8 x 6 feet. The blue-green to silvery foliage is narrower and smaller than most forms of Buddleia davidii.
It very abundantly bears fragrant, lavender-blue to deep blue flowers on dense spikes, up to 10 x 2.5 inches in size. The flowers are borne all summer long and until autumn frost.

* photos taken on Sep 4 2011 in Harford Co, MD


* photos taken on Aug 19 2012 in Harford Co, MD

Nanho Purple
A fast growing, arching shrub, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet as a perennial and 8 x 9 feet as a shrub.
The blue-green foliage is narrower and smaller than most forms of Buddleia davidii. It very abundantly bears fragrant, rich deep purple flowers on dense spikes, up to 9 x 2.5 inches in size. The flowers are borne all summer long and until autumn frost..
The leaves are smaller and the flower spikes are shorter than most cultivars.

* photos taken on June 15 2011 in Columbia, MD


* photo taken on July 17 2012 in Ellicott City, MD

Orchid Beauty
Rounded and dense in habit, reaching up to 8 feet in height.
The foliage is bright green.
The very fragrant, lilac-pink flowers are borne on long, dense panicles up to 16 inches in length. It is not much of a repeat bloomer.

Peacock
A bushy, semi-dwarf, reaching up to 6 x 6 ( rarely over 5 ) feet.
The rosy-pink flowers borne on abundant panicles up to 8 inches in length during mid summer to autumn frosts.

* photo taken on Aug 1 2013 in Goderich, Ontario


Peace
Very vigorous and arching in habit, reaching a maximum size of 20 x 20 feet if not pruned.
The leaves, up to 12 inches in length, are deep green above, white felted beneath.
Creamy-white flowers with orange eyes are borne on long panicles up to 12 inches in length.

Petite Plum
A fast growing, compact, arching, spreading shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 5 feet, though often no more than 3 feet as a cutback shrub. This cultivar is of Buddleia davidii var nanhoensis parentage and was developed by Monrovia nursery.
The fragrant, red-purple flowers are borne on abundant, dense, red-purple panicles up to 4 inches in length. The flowers are borne from mid-summer until autumn frost.

Pink Charming
Also called Charming. Vigorous and arching in habit, reaching up to 8 x 8 feet as a perennial, more as a shrub.
The foliage is blue-green.
The lavender to mid-pink ( with orange eye ) flowers are borne on clusters up to 12 inches in length, all summer long.

Pink Delight
Vigorous and arching, reaching up to 8 x 7 feet as a perennial and 15 feet as a shrub.
The foliage is silvery.
The fragrant, pink flowers are borne densely on huge spikes, up to 15 inches in length, from mid-summer until autumn frosts.

* Photos taken on Aug 1 2011 in Luzerne Co., PA


* photos taken on July 9 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario


Potters Purple
Very vigorous and upright, reaching up to 7 x 7 feet as a perennial, up to 10 feet as a shrub. Some records include: 2 years - 5..8 x 5 feet.
The large leaves are deep green.
The fragrant, violet flower are borne on very long panicles, up to 12.5 inches in length, all summer long.

Purple Emperor
Semi-dwarf and bushy, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet. It is great for patio containers.
The toothed, elliptical leaves are mid-green.
The deep purple flowers are borne on dense, large panicles, up to 10 inches in length, over a long season.

Purple Haze
A complex hybrid involving multiple species of Buddleia that is correctly known as B. Lo & Behold® Purple Haze. Low and spreading, reaching up to 3 x 6 + feet, bearing purplish-blue flowers on panicles up to 8 inches in length, from mid summer until autumn frosts.
The leaves, up to 4.3 x 1 inch, are mid-green above, gray-green beneath.

* photos taken on Oct 17 2013 in Olney, MD

* photo taken on Oct 22 in Towson, MD


Rice Creek
Panicles of lavender flowers on a large shrub, exceeding 10 feet in height.
Is even hardy in Minnesota to zone 4 as a perennial. Very hardy and long lived even in zone 5

Royal Red
Very vigorous, reaching up to 9 x 10 feet as a perennial, up to 20 x 20 feet as a large shrub to small tree if trained as such. Some records include: 2 years - 8.2 x 7.8 feet.
The long, pointed foliage is deep green above, whitish beneath.
The fragrant, rich red-purple flower are borne on huge panicles, up to 20 inches in length, from mid-summer until autumn frost.

* photo taken on July 10 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Sep 3 2013 in Columbia, MD


Santana
An extremely attractive, fast growing clone, reaching up to 10 x 8 feet, is more vigorous than Harlequin. it originated as a variegated sport of Royal Red.
The showy deep green foliage is variegated with a bold bright yellow margin.
The sweetly fragrant, deep reddish-purple flower are borne on panicles, up to 10 inches in length, from early summer until autumn frost. The flowers create stunning contrast with the foliage.

* photo taken on May 16 2011 in Columbia, MD


Silver Frost
Fast growing and compact, reaching up to 8 x 5 feet.
The foliage is intensely silvery-gray.
The fragrant, pure white flowers are borne on upright panicles, mid-summer until mid-autumn.

Summer Rose
Fast growing and dense in habit, reaching up to 10 x 10 feet The foliage is deep blue-green. The very fragrant, purplish-red flowers are borne on huge panicles up to 18 inches in length.

Summer Skies
A semi-dwarf, reaching up to 5 x 6 feet, with bright green foliage that is boldly margined bright white.
The fragrant lavender-blue flowers are borne over a long season.

Strawberry Lemonade
Also called Summer Lilac. A vigorous shrub, reaching up to 8 x 8 feet. It originated as a branch sport of Pink Delight.
The attractive foliage is boldly-margined creamy-yellow.
The bright pink flowers are borne on clusters, up to 10 inches in length, from early summer until autumn frosts.

Summer Beauty
A compact form, reaching a maximum height of 6 ( rarely exceeding 4 ) feet.
The small foliage is silvery-green.
The rich deep pink flowers are borne on clusters, up to 8 inches in length.

Violet Eyes
Semi-evergreen to evergreen ( zone 7+ ), reaching up to 10 x 10 feet. It is a complex hybrid involving Buddleia davidii, lindleyana & B. weyeriana Honeycomb. It does not sucker unlike other Buddleia of B. lindleyana origin.
The foliage is glossy deep blue-green.
The violet-purple flowers attract butterflies but are not fragrant.

White Ball
Very compact, reaching a maximum size of 6.5 x 6.5 ( rarely over 4 ) feet as a perennial, it likely would only grow slightly more as a shrub. The foliage is silvery-gray.
The white flowers are borne on abundant dense panicles, up to 10 inches in length, from early summer until autumn frosts.

* photo taken on July 30 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Sep 3 2013 in Columbia, MD

* video found on Youtube


White Cloud
Arching in habit, reaching up to 6.5 feet as a perennial, up to 10 x 10 feet as a shrub.
The pure white ( with yellow eye ) flowers are borne on narrow panicles.


White Profusion
Vigorous and bushy, reaching up to 8 x 8 feet as a perennial, more as a shrub.
The foliage is mid-green.
The pure white flowers are borne on dense panicles, up to 14 inches in length, lasting from mid-summer until autumn frost.

* photo taken on Aug 8 2011 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on July 17 2012 in Ellicott City, MD

Windy Hill
A very attractive form, reaching up to 8 x 8 feet when grown as a cut back shrub, up to 12 feet otherwise.
The narrow foliage is blue-green.
The light purple ( with orange eye ) flowers are borne over a long season.
Originating in Massachusetts, this is among the hardiest of all Butterflybushes, tolerating at least -25 F.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 ( 4 as perennial on protected sites ).

Buddleia delavayi
A rare and beautiful,deciduous large shrub or small tree, reaching a maximum size of 20 x 10 feet. It is native to mountains in Tibet & Yunnan Provinces in China; south to India to Vietnam.
The non-toothed, ovate or narrow-elliptical leaves are up to 7 x 2.5 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green.
The highly fragrant, lavender ( with orange eye ) flowers are borne on panicles, up to 8 x 1.6 inches in size, during mid spring, often repeating early fall.
Hardy zones 8 to 9.

Buddleia fallowana
An open, arching, deciduous to semi-evergreen, large shrub that is native to mountains in southwest China. It can reach up to 4.5 x 5.5 feet in 2 years; 13 x 13 feet in 10 years, with a maximum eventual size of 20 x 20 feet. It can reach up to 5 x 5 feet when grown as a cutback perennial.
The ovate to elliptical leaves are up to 10 x 2.3 ( rarely over 6 ) inches in length. The foliage is downy and silvery-gray to deep gray-green.
The very fragrant, soft lavender-blue ( with orange throat ) flowers are borne on long racemes, up to 6 x 1.3 inches, during mid-summer into early autumn. The blooms are produced on the current seasons growth.
The young stems are silvery-white and woolly.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun on just about any well drained soil. It can be cut back hard during early spring.

AGS China Expidition
Considered hardier than species, otherwise identical.

Alba
White ( with orange eye ) flowers.

Buddleia forresti
A large deciduous shrub reaching up to 20 x 10 ( rarely over 10 ) feet, that is native to western China; south to India and northern Burma. It can also be grown as a cutback shrub or perennial, reaching up to 8 x 8 feet.
The narrow-elliptical leaves, up to 14 x 3 inches in size, are matte-green above, pale blue-green beneath. The very fragrant, pale violet-blue flowers are borne on panicles, up to 12 x 3.2 inches in size, during late summer to early fall. They are adored by hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( 7 as a perennial ) in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil with regular water.

Buddleia globosa ( Orange Ball Tree )
A fast growing, upright, open, semi-evergreen to evergreen, large shrub or small tree, reaching a maximum size of 20 x 20 feet, that is native to hillsides in Peru, Chile and neighboring parts of Argentina.
The wrinkled, lance-shaped leaves, up to 10 x 2 ( rarely over 8 ) inches, are deep green above, woolly white or brown beneath.
The tiny, orange-yellow flowers are borne in dense, ball-shaped clusters during late spring to early summer. The flowers are borne on the previous seasons growth.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun on well drained soil preferring a site protected from excessive wind. Very tolerant of alkaline soils. It prefers climates with mild winters and cool summers such as along the Pacific Coast. Thin out crowded wood after flowering has finished. Propagation is from seed or semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.

Cally Orange
The larger flower heads are deep orange. It is otherwise identical to species.

Buddleia hemsleyana
A spectacular, suckering, mounding, evergreen shrub, reaching up to 9 x 6 ( rarely over 6 ) feet, that is native to Japan. It can be grown as a cutback shrub or perennial, reaching up to 5 x 4 feet.
The foliage is rich very deep green.
Thevery beautiful, bicolor lilac & deep purple flowers are borne on long, pendulous clusters.
The flowers attract hummingbirds.
Hardy zones 6 to 9. It is rarely cut back due to its attractive graceful habit.

Buddleia japonica
A vigorous, arching, medium-sized, deciduous shrub, reaching up to 10 x 6 ( rarely over 6 ) feet in height, that is native to Japan.
The deeply-veined leaves, up to 8 inches in length, are smooth and mid-green above, silvery-gray beneath.
The lavender or light purple flowers are borne on very long, dense, hanging panicles, up to 8 inches in length. The flowers are borne from mid-summer to mid-autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( 5 & 6 or -20 F as a perennial ) in full sun on fertile, well drained soil.

Lemon Spires
Light yellow flowers borne on panicles up to 10 inches in length.

Buddleia knappi
A medium-sized shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 feet that is native to South Africa.
The leaves are narrow and willow-like.
The attractive, narrow, rugose leaves are up to 10 inches in length. The foliage is silky and silvery at first, turning to glossy deep green above, downy white beneath.
The fragrant, lavender flowers are borne on pendulous racemes during mid to late summer.
The flowers are borne on previous seasons growth. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( 7 on protected sites ) in full sun on fertile, well drained soil. It is very heat, drought and seashore tolerant, thriving in the Deep South. Pruning should be done immediately after blooming. Hard pruning during winter will prevent blooming.

Buddleia lindleyana ( Lindley Butterflybush )
A suckering, rounded, semi-evergreen to evergreen large shrub, reaching up to 12 x 6 feet ( rarely much larger ), that is native to eastern China. It suckers heavily and can spread aggressively. Some records include: largest on record - 33 feet. It can become invasive in the southeastern U.S. where its use should be limited.
The attractive bark is orange-red in color. The attractive narrowly-ovate or elliptic leaves, up to 8 x 2 ( usually closer to 4 ) inches, are glossy deep green throughout the year.
The lavender to light purple, tubular flowers, up to 1.5 inches in length, are borne on panicles up to 8 inches in length, during late summer. The flowers are not fragrant but still attract butterflies.
The stems are squared.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( surviving 5 & 6 as a perennial ) in full sun on just about any well drained soil. Very heat tolerant.

* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


Gloster
Vigorous, reaching up to 6 feet, with larger leaves and violet-purple flowers borne on huge panicles up to 2 feet in length.

Miss Vicie
Dwarf, only reaching 5 feet, and smaller in all its parts.

Buddleia x lochinch
A hybrid between Buddleia davidii and B. fallowiana. Very fast growing, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet in the first year and eventually to as much as 17 x 17 ( rarely over 12 ) feet as a bushy, arching shrub. As a cut back perennial it reaches up to 8 x 10 feet. Buddleia Glasnevin is a smaller version reaching only 4 feet.
The lance-shaped leaves are up to 10 inches in length. The foliage is downy, gray-green at first, turning to smooth blue-green above and glossy silvery-white and felted beneath.
Stunning display of very fragrant, lavender-blue, tubular flowers each with a small orange eye. The flowers are borne on dense, pyramidal panicles, up to 12 inches in length, from late summer to mid autumn. The flowers are very attractive to bttterflies.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( possibly as far as 5 as a perennial on protected site ) in full sun on just about any well drained soil. Very alkaline tolerant. Looks best if cut back hard during early spring.
Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.

* photos taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD


* photos taken on Aug 25 2012 in Catonsville, MD



Buddleia longiflora
A very rare shrub that is closely related to Buddleia forrestii.
The fragrant, lilac flowers are borne on long racemes.

Buddleia loricata
A compact, dense, globular, medium-sized, evergreen shrub, reaching up to 8 x 8 ( rarely over 5 ) feet, that is native to South Africa. It is a dieback perennial in colder climates. It is a great plant for extremely hot parking lot medians.
The attractive, narrow, rugose leaves, up to 5 inches in length, are glossy deep green above, downy white beneath.
The fragrant, creamy-white ( with orange eye ) flowers are borne during early to mid summer.
The flowers are borne on previous seasons growth.
It rarely self-seeds.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun on well drained soil. It is very heat and drought tolerant, thriving in the Deep South. Pruning should be done immediately after blooming. Hard pruning during winter will prevent blooming.

Buddleia macrostachya ( Long Spiked Butterfly Bush )
A very fast growing, semi-evergreen large shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum height of 20 feet, that is native to mountains ( around 8000 feet elevation ) from Tibet through western China; south to northern India to northern Vietnam
The narrow-elliptic leaves are huge, up to 18 x 6 inches. The foliage is deep green above, white downy beneath.
The fragrant, lavender or pink flowers are borne on long panicles, up to 8 x 1.6 inches in size.
The stems are squared or winged.
Hardy zones 9 to 10 in full sun on just about any well drained soil. It can be grown in the British Isles or the Pacific Northwest but only along a protected south facing wall in the mildest regions.

Buddleia madagascariensis
An evergreen weeping or lax large shrub, reaching a maximum size of 33 x 15 feet in the tropics. In the subtropics, it can be grown as a perennial, reaching up to 6 feet. It is native to Madagascar.
The lance-shaped or narrowly-ovate leaves are up to 10 x 3 ( rarely over 6 ) inches in size. The attractive foliage is gray-green to mid-green above, silvery to white woolly beneath.
The fragrant, orangish-yellow flowers are borne on panicles, up to 10 x 6 inches in size, during late winter into early spring. They do not occur on plants that dieback during winter.
They are followed by violet berries clustered along the stems. The stems are white woolly. Hardy zones 9 to 11 as a shrub ( dies back to the ground at 18 F ). It is known to grow as far north as Philadelphia as a perennial if planted on a protected site. It prefers full sun to partial shade on moist, well drained soil. In cooler climates, it is best planted against a warm south facing wall.

Buddleia marrubifolia ( Woolly Butterflybush )
A very attractive, fast growing, dense, rounded, medium-sized, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6.6 x 6 ( rarely over 5 ) feet, that native to mountains of the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas to northern Mexico ( San Luis Potosi state ). It is commonly grown in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.
The toothed, oblong to elliptic leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are woolly silvery to white.
The orange flowers are borne on dense globular clusters, up to 1.5 inches across, from early spring to late summer.
The fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardy zones 9 to 10 ( tolerating 12 F ) in full sun on sandy, well drained soil. Drought and alkaline tolerant though prefers a deep watering biweekly during summer, once monthly during the colder months. It dislikes clay and poor drainage. Cut back to 1 foot in height every 2 years to rejuvenate. Woolly Butterflybush is rarely bothered by insect pests or disease.

Presidio
Compact in habit, only reaching 4 feet.
The foliage is gray-felted.
The flowers are orange.
Hardy zones 7b to 10, it is considered more cold hardy than the species.

Buddleia megalocephala
A gnarled large shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum height of 17 feet, that is native to high mountains ( around 12000 feet )in Guatemala.
The very long leaves are woolly white.
The flowers resemble that of Buddleia globosa.

Buddleia nivea
A fast growing, upright, medium-sized, semi-evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 27 x 8 ( rarely over 10 ) feet, that is native to mountains in Sichuan, Xizanf & Yunnan Provinces in China.
The narrowly-ovate leaves, up to 16 x 4 ( rarely over 10 ) inches, are deep green above, woolly white beneath.
The showy, fragrant, bright purplish-blue flowers, are borne on clusters up to 11 x 5 ( rarely over 6 ) inches, during summer. The flowers are small and also covered in white woll.
The stems are woolly and white.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( 6 on protected sites ) in full sun.

var yunnanensis
A very large shrub, reaching up to 18 feet, or sometimes becoming a small tree to 27 feet.
The attractive deeply-cut foliage is very silvery and woolly. The very large leaves are up to 20 inches in length.
Hardy zones 7 to 9.

Buddleia officinalis
A medium-sized, deciduous shrub, reaching up to 13 feet in height, that is native from central and southern China; south to Burma to Vietnam.
The lance-shaped, ovate to elliptical leaves, up to 7.5 x 3 inches, are mid-green above, downy gray beneath. The pink or lilac ( with orange throat ) flowers are borne on clusters, up to 12 x 4 ( rarely over 7 ) inches, during early spring.
Hardy zones 8b to 10 ( tolerating 14 F ) in full sun on well drained soil, preferrably alkaline. It is best grown against a protected south facing wall in cooler climates where marginally hardy. Cut back hard immediately after flowering.

Buddleia paniculata
A deciduous large shrub to small tree, that is native to mountains from northern India to Bhutan to southern China; south to Burma to Vietnam.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 10 x 3.5 inches in size, are bright green above, hairy beneath. The white flowers are borne on terminal clusters, up to 10 x 4.8 inches, during early winter to mid-spring.
The stems are squarred.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 in full sun on very well drained soil.

Buddleia x pikei
A large, deciduous shrub. It is the hybrid between Buddleia alternifolia & B. crispa.
it is usually grown as a cutback perennial bush, reaching up to 8 x 8 feet.
The foliage is similar to that of Buddleia alternifolia. The toothed, ovate leaves are up to 6 inches in length. The downy foliage is gray-green turning to deep blue-green.
The very fragrant, lavender to purplish-pink ( with orange throat ) flowers are borne on panicles, up to 12 inches in length, during late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun on just about any well drained soil. Cut back hard during late winter.

Hever Castle
Arching in habit, reaching up to 10 x 10 ( rarely over 7 ) feet.
The foliage is gray-green turning to deep blue-green.
The fragrant, purplish-pink ( with orange throat ) flowers are borne on panicles up to 12 inches in length, during late spring.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in full sun.

* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington DC


Buddleia saligna ( Bastard Olive )
A dense, bushy, lanky, medium size, evergreen tree reaching around 25 feet that is native to South Africa. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; largest on record - 40 x 20 feet.
The evergreen foliage is borne on angular stems and resembles that of the olive.
The narrow foliage, up to 4 inches in length, is deep green above and pale gray below.
The tiny, creamy-white, fragrant flowers are borne in large domed panicles in autumn.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 and drought tolerant, it grows especially well in southern California.

* photo of unknown internet source


Buddleia salvifolia
A dense, arching large shrub, reaching up to 12 x 8 feet, that is native to South Africa Very fast growing, it can reach up to 7 x 5 feet in just 2 years. The attractive, wavy-edged leaves, up to 5 inches in length, are gray-green above, brownish beneath. The sage-like leaves are felted.
The lightly fragrant, pale lavender flowers are borne during mid spring on previous seasons growth. Hard pruning during the winter will prevent blooming however this shrub is typically grown for its foliage not the flowers.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun on well drained soil. It is very heat and drought tolerant, thriving in the Deep South.

Buddleia stenostachya
A shrub that is native to western Sichuan.
The lilac ( throated orange ) flowers are borne on clusters up to 16 inches in length.

Buddleia utahensis ( Utah Butterflybush )
A dense, rounded shrub, reaching up to 3.3 feet in height, that is native to deserts of the southwestern U.S. ( from southern Nevada to southwest Utah; south to eastern California to northwest Arizona ).
The narrow leaves, up to 1.5 x 0.2 inches in size, are downy, silvery-gray.
The cream to pale-yellow flowers are borne on dense, rounded clusters from late spring to mid-autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun on very well drained soil. It does not survive in humid climates and must be watered infrequently. Salt and wind tolerant, it does make a great landscape plant for sand dunes on the ocean front in dry regions.

* photo taken by USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database


Buddleia veninifera
A medium-sized shrub, reaching up to 8 feet, that is native to Japan.
The fragrant, lavender flowers are borne on hanging clusters during late summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 9.

Buddleia x weyereana
Reaches up to 8 x 5 feet as an arching cutback shrub, up to 13 x 13 feet in 10 years as a shrub. It is the hybrid between Buddleia davidii & B. globosa.
The lance-shaped leaves are deep green.
The rounded flowerheads are borne on panicles, from mid-summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 8 ( 5 as perennial ) in full sun on well drained soil. It can be cut back hard during early spring.

Bicolor
Vigorous in habit, reaching up to 8 feet in height, with abundant flowers that are lavender in bud, opening to orangish-pink. This is a Michael Dirr introduction that originated from a Honeycomb seedling. The flowers are borne on panicles up to 10 inches in length. The foliage is gray-green.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.

Honeycomb
Compact in habit, reaching up to 8 x 6 feet as a perennial. Some records include: 2 years - 6 x 6 feet.
The foliage is silvery.
The fragrant, rich orange-yellow flowers are borne on clusters up to 6 inches in length, from mid summer, persisting until autumn frost. The flowers are creamy-yellow in bud.
Hardy to -20 F as a perennial, zone 8 + as a shrub.

Sun Gold
Also called Buddleia x weyerana Sungold. Very fast growing, reaching up to 6.5 feet as a perennial, 15 x 10 feet as a shrub.
The foliage is very deep green.
It bears bright golden-yellow flowers on terminal clusters from July until frost.
Hardy zones 7 + ( possibly 6 as perennial ).

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery